MEET YOUR CARDROOM MANAGER, ROMMEL

Rommel Lapinid got into Poker after playing home games with friends in the early 2000s, just before the boom. For everything from the perfect bluff, to stories of the legend that was Devilfish, read more about our Cardroom Manager at Empire Casino below.

Why play live over online?

It’s a fantastic place to meet new people. You might be sitting next to a CEO of the largest company in the world and not even know it. And reading a player is half the game – there’s no better feeling than making a great call!

The best thing about working in our Poker room?

Apart from working for the same company as the WSOP, it’s the fact that I am given the creative licence to make the dream of playing at the WSOP a reality for my customers.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

The most memorable hand you’ve seen?

An early hand from my early days of playing. Flopping the nuts with J8 clubs, trap checking my opponent all the way and maximising the pay off. What a feeling!

Advice to a young Poker player hoping to go pro?

You must be disciplined. Listen to everybody’s opinion but do what works for you. There will be lots of people quick to give you bad advice at the table, so be careful who you listen to. Also, bankroll management is crucial!

Tips for the perfect bluff?

Put the other person on a hand and be confident in that. Think to yourself: can I represent something they can fold to? After all, all bluffs need to make sense. And never bluff a bad player!

What’s more frustrating: pocket jacks or AK suited?

I like them both! I’m frustrated when I’m not dealt these!

Favourite hand?

J8 clubs. 56 suited, for obvious reasons!

Who’s the best Poker player on the planet right now?

Daniel Negreanu remains the strongest all-round player, both in cash games and tournaments. But my hero is David Ulliott aka Devilfish. I dealt to him when I was younger, and he had great respect for dealers.

MEET YOUR CARDROOM MANAGER, ROMMEL

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